Seeking Help With Parts for Vintage Dishwasher

[drbluejay]

Hello there,

I came across this forum while doing some Google searches for vintage appliance parts, and I was hoping someone would be able to point me in the right direction…
I recently picked up a set of vintage GE appliances – wall oven, refrigerator, cooktop, and built-in dishwasher. They are all a turquoise color, and I am guessing they are from around the 1950’s.
They are in amazing condition, and I hope to put them to use in a “vintage themed” kitchen remodel.
The refrigerator has a few scratches and chips in the paint that I would like to touch up, and I was hoping someone could tell me where to find the correct type and color of paint.
I can provide model and serial numbers, as well as photos if that would help.

Also, the dishwasher has a plastic grille at the top of the door, and it is broken. I could glue up the broken piece, but would prefer to find a replacement part if at all possible. I think model number of the dishwasher is 1SU6071 (the second last digit in the model number is scuffed making it hard to read).

Thank you very much in advance for everybody's time and any assistance you are able to provide.

 

[turquoisedude]

Welcome, Jay!

Wow, sounds like you've got quite a find there!   Please do post more photos of the rest of the appliances - can we get a shot of the front panel and the tub of the dishwasher?

 

Based on that serial number plate, you appear to have a 1960 model dishwasher at least (the '7' is actually a 'T' - the GE date code for 1960).   I've got a '59 model GE dishwasher but the tub lid is missing - I hope you were able to save yours!  The tub gasket is a potential problem on dishwashers of this vintage, alas.  Replacement parts are next to impossible to find, but the gasket can be substituted with closed-cell foam insulation tape. 

 

If you need any inspiration,  have a look at what I did to my kitchen at the country house back in 2007 (link below).

 

Oh, and for paint touch-up, I was able to get a custom-mix made at my local Rona hardware store.  They scanned a panel from the Kitchen Centre to get the mix right, but if you need it, I kept the formula just in case.

Keep us posted!

 

 

[cuffs054]

Turquoise, I'd had never seen the video but had followed your post. What a friggin' NEATO project! The video was super. Looking forward to what you'll do with new house.

 

[brucelucenta]

WOW!

After viewing the video in that link, I have to say that I am impressed! What dedication to a project. Truly amazing results.

 

[launderess]

Do youse mean something like

what is shown in these pictures?

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?53890

 

[drbluejay]

I am sending a photo of the broken piece sitting atop the dishwasher, as well as pictures of the 4 appliances. (Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the dishwasher tub - I can send that later.)

I enjoyed your video - very nice remodel!
I noticed the picture of your '59 dishwasher. The plastic grille on that one is slightly different, but would likely fit the one I have. Not sure if you're willing to part with it???

You mentioned the tub lid is missing... Is there supposed to be a separate lid on the dishwasher tub that opens up from the top after you slide the tub out?

Also, if you could send me the paint formula you used that would be great!
Thanks for all of your help.

 

[goatfarmer]

Best bet on a paint match, is to take something smaller, like the oven door, to a paint store. They should be able to do an exact match.

 

[drbluejay]

OK, I get what you mean about the lid now. It is there. I'm thinking I will have to replace the tub gasket though.
I am going to try to mix my own paint to match (I've done a bit of that before) and test it on the back of the fridge. If that doesn't work out I'll try to get a paint shop to match it.
I got a picture of the tub.
What you see down inside is the original owners manual!

 

[turquoisedude]

Ouch!  I see why you were asking about the front grille cover...  One of these days, I'm hoping to scare up a frame and cabinet for one of these machines that I can cannibalize for the tub lid cover - when that finally happens, I'll let you know if I wind up with a spare grille!

 

The tub gasket will definitely need to be replaced from the look of things.  Again, try closed-cell foam insulating tape - it will probably do the job.  The only caveat is that the self-stick adhesive may not hold up for a long time under regular use; you can re-attach loosened gaskets with silicone sealant, though. 

 

Thanks for the tub shots and sorry for the late reply...  Moving is not my favourite hobby... LOL